trace's

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skinny cottage pot pies

This is a super skinny, super healthy alternative to that old British favorite, usually covered in lashings of mashed potato, and one my husband and I actually prefer (liking the healthier version of comfort food doesn't happen often with us!). The recipe is from Australian comedienne and writer, Jane Kennedy (see her summer chicken satay recipe here) and uses whipped, steamed cauliflower and horseradish cream to top her ground beef pots. Jane is a passionate promoter of yummy food that…

healthy banana & apricot cookies

Here's a quick, easy and healthy way to turn those too-ripe bananas into a healthy, guilt-free snack. The original recipe recommends adding dates but I've swapped them out for dried apricots (which are a big favorite in my house). You could also add 1/3 cup of unsweetened coconut or dark chocolate chips for variation. These are drop cookies, but I flattened mine with a fork to make them more cookie-shaped. You can place them close together on a cookie tray,…

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Free-quent flyer points – not just for flights

Earlier this year I realized that I could be a lot more focused on paying bills using my credit card to earn frequent flyer miles. I was already putting work-related expenses on a credit card but those didn't add up to much and all of my family expenses were being paid by check or debit card. When you think about how much you spend at the supermarket, on medical bills, on vacations, and kid's expenses, it's adds up to a…

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my lasagna

This is probably my signature dish. I make it for friends who have just had a baby, or who need cheering up. It's a once-a-weeker in our house, and I could probably do it blind-folded, which means I don't really know the measurements of each ingredient...it's a hand full of this and a slurp of that and a fair bit of red wine. Speaking of wine, this is a dish that needs to be cooked with passion, so pour yourself…

kitchen update

The kitchen in my post and beam house isn't huge but it is extremely functional, so when I couldn't live with the old cupboard doors and grungy tile counter-top any longer, I opted for a face-lift rather than a complete overhaul. New wood cupboard doors in a shaker style replace the old cottage pine doors, modern cupboard and drawer pulls and stainless steel appliances help bring the room up to date. This kitchen is pretty dark, so I painted the…

creative block busters – links

I'm feeling a little low on inspiration today. That happens every now and again, so I thought I'd share some inspiring and practical links with you.   (Please click on each photo for it's source) * 7 Ways To Boost Your Creativity * 13 Weird Ways To Work Through Creative Blocks * 5 Surprising Sources Of Creative Block And How To Overcome Them

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coconut banana bread with citrus glaze

This new twist on an old favorite is as comforting and delicious as any food has a right to be, plus I had all of the ingredients already in my house! The coconut and citrus glaze plus a dash of dark rum, gives it a more exotic, tropical flair. I used shredded coconut in the cake itself, then I added some larger pieces of flaked coconut with the finer shredded stuff for the top. Enjoy! Recipe: Coconut Banana Bread with…

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delicious dining

My dining room sits on a low platform in the living room. The exposed beam ceiling is nearly fifteen feet high at the peak which can make it tricky to decorate. To see the original owner's style, scroll to the bottom of the post. Placing artwork higher on this expansive wall only creates a void below. I always favor hanging art lower than the top of at least one doorway or window close by. I've used over-sized furniture (the table is…

Jamie Oliver’s grilled halloumi and tabbouleh salad

This delicious salad is both light and satisfying at the same time. I grilled my halloumi on my indoor grill and it held it's shape. I like to say I prefer to make my salads and taboulleh chunkier than the recipe calls for, but we all know I'm too lazy to chop it finely, either way it's a great starter, or lunch salad. Recipe: Jamie Oliver's Grilled Halloumi and Tabbouleh salad      

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modern Fall decorating

Fall is a gorgeous time of year in most cities around the world and I love the change-over between seasons, but decorating a modern home with all things country can clash a bit. Here is my take on a minimalist Fall coffee table display.